John H. Lanphear

John H. Lanphear, farmer, resident on section 30, sylvan Township, was born Dec. 12, 1836, in Columbia Co., N.Y. His parents, James A. and Rebecca R. (Shufeldt) Lanphear, were natives of the State of New York, and were descended from parents born in New England of English and German origin. They are now in advanced years and reside in Columbia County. Mr. Lanphear is the oldest of five children born to his parents, all of whom are living. Two reside in the State of New York and two live in Massachuestts. At the age of 19 he began to serve an apprenticeship in a machine shop, and spent 10 years in that business in Chatham, N.Y. In 1877 he came to Jackson, Mich., coming a year later to Osceola County, he located on 160 acres of land in Sylvan Township, of which he is still the owner of all but 40 acres on section 29 adjoining his homestead, and has placed 100 acres under improvements. His farm buildings are creditable and suited to the needs of his farm. He is a Republican in political opinions, and has served four years as Supervisor, Clerk, two years, also as Treasurer and Highway Commissioner, and is at present a School Inspector.

He was married in Columbia Co., N.Y., to Hattie M. Messenger. Their children are Frank C., James I., Carrie A. and Anna M. Two died in infancy. Mrs. Lanphear was born in Massachusetts, and removed in her childhood to New York.

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